With over 25 years of extensive mental health experience, I hold a Ph.D. (APA accredited) in Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsychology. I am also a Certified Nutritionist, a Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH); a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey; a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky; a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in Nebraska; a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana and Illinois; a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP) and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator (LSOE) in Illinois and Montana; , Telehealth Provider #TPMC864 (Florida) Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00852500 (New Jersey) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #LCPC03319 (Kansas) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #CP5260-R (Nevada) and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in The Bahamas. I am a Clinical, Health, Forensic and Neuropsych oly doctor. I have a PhD, a Bachelor's of Science, three master’s degrees (Professional Counseling, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Counseling). I have been inducted into the Psi Chi international honor society in psychology and the Pi Lambda Theta honor society in education. I have worked successfully and effectively administering a broad range of Clinical, Health , Forensic, Neurological, Educational and other Assessments inaddition with working with organizations both Christian and secular, and with individuals, couples, groups, and families with a broad range of concerns, including but not limited to parenting problems, addiction, career challenges, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, and eating disorders. I have also worked with persons coping with illness, grief, loss, family conflict, pre-marital concerns, anxiety, infidelity, OCD, men’s issues, sexual abuse, spirituality, suicidal ideation, PTSD, weight loss, women’s issues, relationships issues, panic attacks, etc. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and, or emotional abuse, Trauma and many other concerns. Throughout the years, in my Private Practice and working with other organizations, hospitals, prison systems etc. I have developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary background that has allowed me to recognize, diagnose, and successfully help and treat thousands of individuals of all ages and ethnicities. My treatment style is warm, interactive, and solution-based. My psychotherapy approach is integrative and eclectic, combining cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, motivational, rational emotive counseling, smart recovery, positive psychology, and many other proven techniques. I show empathy and honestly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, so I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I do my best to allow God to use me to assist you in achieving your desired results. It is commendable and takes courage for you to seek a more fulfilling and happier functional, actionable existence and to see you taking the first steps toward change and enhancement. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to assist you in achieving your purpose and goals for being here, in addition to encouraging, supporting, and empowering you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of experience working in the substance abuse/addiction field and in private practice. Currently I am the Clinical Director of a substance abuse facility, and operate a small private practice. I have helped clients with a variety of issues including substance abuse, trauma, process/cross addictions, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, relationship and family issues, stress, phase of life issues, low self-esteem, and personality disorders. I have also had a lot of experience working with many different cultures and pride myself on being highly culturally sensitive and knowledgeable. My approach to therapy is warm yet direct. I enjoy encouraging and empowering my clients to make positive changes in their lives. I provide a non-bias, non-judgmental atmosphere, and supportive atmosphere. I utilize a variety of different theories and techniques including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, Rapid Trauma Resolution, solution-focused therapy, positive psychology, family and couples counseling, and more. I maintain several certifications and have been trained in specific therapies including: Mastered Certified Addiction Professional; Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist; Rapid Trauma Resolution w/Clinical Hypnosis; Gottman Couples Therapy, Level 1 Certified; DBT skills, and EMDR. I commend anyone who is looking to better themselves. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Many years of working as an in-home, multicultural, inner-city therapist and in a Residential Treatment Program for Emotionally Disturbed Children before transitioning to Adults with Developmental Disabilities have provided me with a strong foundation to address a wide variety of clinical issues. My theoretical methods is founded first and foremost in developmental psychology utilizing many other theoretical approaches such as CBT, DBT, Performance psychology, solution focused etc. My passion for psychology began as a professional athlete and then in undergraduate school at the University of Maine at Farmington as an Alpine ski coach and through my years as a professional ski coach. My passion for psychology and therapy continues to focus on supporting individuals the fulfill their potential.

I am an LCSW licensed in the state of New Jersey with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, emotional abuse, and parenting struggles. I have worked with adults, families, children and teenagers. When I engage a client in counseling, my approach is client centered. I will work with you to determine what the underlying cause is of your struggles and develop goals with you to lessen and manage those struggles. I work with sensitivity and sensitivity and compassion. I work as a partner with my client, focusing on their strengths and moving them forward to healing. My approach combines cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. We will develop a treatment plan together to meet your specific needs, and when we identify a barrier that gets in the way of your specific needs, we will work on a plan to remove that barrier. It takes courage and humility to admit that you need help, and to seek counseling for that help, but taking that first step toward a change will lead to insight about why you are struggling and new skills to manage your struggle and heal from your pain. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support you and empower you in your journey of healing through your pain. My goal is for your healing, and to walk with you in the process. I truly look forward to working with you!

Welcome to BetterHelp, if you are reaching out for help it shows your are interested in recovering your life and starting to work toward solutions to challenges. My name is Michelle Defino, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years experience. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2008 and have worked primarily worked with substance abuse/co-occurring clients. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other more severe mental illness. I have worked with a Federal Re-entry Substance Abuse Program for the last 3 years. I use many forms of therapy to meet the needs of my clients including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused. I use these modalities to help to change thinking and behaviors that lead to many of the issues in daily life. Another modality I use is mindfulness to increase focus and concentration. I realize how difficult it can be to ask for assistance and how important it is for you and I am looking forward to working with you and helping you to gain the life you are hoping for. I will consider different ways to work with you, however prefer video, since we will be able to see and get to know each other easier. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with an Anxiety Treatment Professional with Children and Adolescents Certification and a Certified School Social Worker. I am currently a School Social Worker working in a High School. I have about 20 years of experience working with youth in settings ranging from youth residential facilities, hospitals, and both alternative and public school settings. I also hold an Educational Supervisor Certification. I would like to note that at this time, I am only seeing clients via Chat Therapy. I take the time to really get to know my clients so that a treatment plan that works for them can be utilized. My approach is warm and caring and I think it is extremely important to actually take the time to get to know who I am working with. I enjoy getting to know my clients so that they can feel comfortable participating in therapy. I believe the most important thing in a therapeutic relationship is to build that relationship and trust and to remember to have a conversation with your client; to treat them with respect and compassion. Making them feel validated for their feelings and that there is someone that is ready and willing to listen, is something that I feel is one of my strengths. I am here and willing to support you in your courageous step towards a more positive future.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey family with 10+ years of experience providing formal and informal therapy in a variety of settings and ares of concern. I have provided services in private homes, traditional office settings, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and other program settings. I have worked with people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, motivation, and self esteem. I also have experience working with people with disabilities and TBI. I strive to meet people where they are, and believe that all people deserve to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. My approach is person centered, and combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and solution focused therapy principles. All treatment plans are tailored to meet your individual and specific needs. First steps are often the hardest, but with courage and determination, all things are possible. When you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering services to adults (18+). I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals across the life span. My specializations are anxiety, depression, life transitions and adjustment disorders. I provide a supportive, encouraging, hopeful and humorous approach to assist individuals in managing life’s struggles and challenges. My interest in mental health care developed at the start of her college career with her focus and desire to help people of all ages with life stressors and connect them with resources within their communities. Michelle enjoys continuing education, beach and camping trips, pets, and spending time with family and friends. She attended the Women’s March and attended college as an adult student. “We can complain because the rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because the thorn bushes have roses.” – Abraham Lincoln “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.” – Dr. Steve Maraboli

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on empowering clients through challenges like depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I'm deeply committed to helping people develop stronger self-esteem, improve communication skills, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. My professional practice focuses on creating a compassionate, affirming space where Black and Brown individuals can explore their experiences and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Drawing from nine years of clinical experience, I understand the nuanced emotional journeys that shape our lives and relationships. I believe in a holistic approach that honors each person's unique story and inherent strengths. My goal is to walk alongside you as you develop resilience, self-understanding, and strategies for navigating life's most challenging moments. Together, we'll work to transform isolation into connection and uncertainty into purposeful action.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I also specialize in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in New Jersey with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.